Illinois State Assessment Sarah Jones April 16, 2002 Educational Psychology 311

What are the ILS? NOT a curriculum Improve education by involving entire community Raise the level of expectations for ALL students A “road map” to measure student progress Students will acquire new ways to learn that will help them throughout their lives

The Goal: Understand political systems, with an emphasis on the United States. Why This Goal Is Important: The existence and advancement of a free society depend on the knowledge, skills and understanding of its citizenry. Through the study of various forms and levels of government and the documents and institutions of the United States, students will develop the skills and knowledge that they need to be contributing citizens, now and in the future.

EXAMPLE 14.B.5 Analyze similarities and differences among world political systems (e.g., democracy, socialism, communism). The first number (14): State Goal Number Second letter (B): Learning Standard Third Number (5): Age level Fourth Letter (a,b, etc): Part of the point

Additional Goals Understand economic systems, with an emphasis on the United States. Understand events, trends, individuals and movements shaping the history of Illinois, the United States and other nations. *Two categories – world and US history Understand world geography and the effects of geography on society, with an emphasis on the United States. Understand social systems, with an emphasis on the United States.

It’s New! The PSAE Prairie State Achievement Examination Suggested in transition year – last time 10 th graders can opt to take ISATs Implemented for the first time in the Spring of 2001

Testing – PSAE Grade 11 tests: Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Science Developed by the ISBE; Based on ILS Charter schools take, but not private, parochial or home schools Two day test made up of: ACT test IBSE 2 Workkeys Social Studies – Day Two 3 categories: Disciplines, Geography, History

2001 PSAE Performance Levels by Subject

Achievement Gaps Remain 2001 PSAE Mathematics

Testing – ISAT Grades 3, 5, 8 –Reading, Writing, Math Grades 4, 7 –Science, Social Science 1999: ISAT in grades 10, 11 eliminated –Replaced by PSAE –PSAE only post-8 th grade testing mandated by state

Results – 7 th Grade District 25 *Note: Numbers do not include Special Education Students and those with IEPs

Exceptional Students

Testing – Alternate Assessment LEP students take IMAGE –Annual tests to students in pre-approved bilingual education program –Measures level of English Attainment –Taken in years 1,2, and 3 of program –DO NOT take ISAT/PSAE Exceptional Students take IAA –Using rubric and working with their IEP and teacher suggestions –Still holding students to high level of achievement

Additional Tests National Assessment of Educational Progress Third International Math and Science Study Voluntary (by district) tests in Fine Arts and Physical Development and Health

Curriculum District Controlled Districts have to align curriculum to ILS to score well on PSAE Each district has their own curriculum standards and graduation requirements –Most involve at least ½ unit of Consumer Economics Districts can offer additional standardized tests, if wanted

Technology 1995 ISBE establishes first tech plan April, 1996: –Average # rooms connected was 4 –Median # rooms connected was 1 –1/3 of schools use the internet –55% of schools have building level tech plan –1 computer: 9 students 1998 ISBE contracts an outside group to evaluate use of technology in IL schools

Computer Usage in Schools *60.4 % of Principals and 56% of teachers indicated technology promoted achievement of skills

Technology for Students Through the ILS, technology is supposed to be an integral part of education No official state test, but local levels can offer tests of their own, or other graduation requirements Example: District 214 requires consumer education course and a keyboarding proficient exam before graduation

Technology for Teachers Revised October 2001 –Seven basic standards all teachers should meet –Ranges from operations and application to use of and web pages for students and parents Based on several national programs, and the proposed/existing programs in: COLORADO, TEXAS, NORTH CAROLINA and WISCONSON

Technology Continued… Details what’s expected of teachers to meet the ILS By July 1, 2003 all college prep programs must be redesigned to address standards - State certification tests will be redesigned to ensure new educators have desired skills and abilities relating to technology - Aligned with NCATE 2000 standards

Related Links Illinois School Improvement Website